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Reviews
Jane Eyre (1997)
Relatively true to the novel
Other than some tinkering with the original story, this Jane Eyre ranks as one of my favorites (see the "10" version with Timothy Dalton from 1983 -- unsurpassed!). Ciaran Hinds is a good "physical" match for Rochester, but a bit too sentimental.
Samantha Morton is very expressive, but I would have liked to have seen her show a bit more softness. Otherwise, a very satisfying story.
Jane Eyre (1970)
A Waste
This is by far the worst adaptation of Jane Eyre I have seen. It is uncertain whether or not the writer of the screenplay ever read the book by Bronte. George C Scott is ridiculous and bumbling as Rochester -- when not just plain old acting angry. Susannah York has the most dated 1970's hairstyle I have ever seen in a Victorian movie. The characters hardly speak to each other, so the rich banter enjoyed in the book that is the basis for their deep intellectual and abiding love, is gone. The ending is ludicrous.
Please, rent the Timothy Dalton version instead. It is so true to the book, it's like having the novel read aloud to you. Dalton is superb as Rochester. G. C. Scott is laughable.